Travel Guides

Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing mountain in the world
and regarded as the highest mountain conquerable by someone with no
formal training or experience in climbing. Children as young as 12
have made it to the highest point, Uhuru Peak (5895m), and about 65
percent of the 35,000 hikers attempting the mountain annually make
it to the top. Summiting Kilimanjaro, however, is not a venture to
take lightly. The journey entails at least five days of near
constant walking, weathering wind, ice, heat and a rapid change in
altitude. A certain degree of fitness and the go-ahead from a
doctor are strongly recommended before attempting this arduous,
though ultimately rewarding, task.

The climb in itself is not only a physical experience but an
adventurous journey. You will have to brave Kilimanjaro's five
ecological zones on your route to the top. First is the cultivated
farmland, the slightly populated mountainside grazing area where
locals herd their livestock. The second zone is the rich rainforest
area, which boasts scenic rapids, assorted exotic greenery and
monkeys by the dozen. Leopard, civet cats and several antelope
might also be spotted if you keep your eyes open. In the third
zone, the moors, you will encounter less wildlife but an abundance
of odd low-lying vegetation, some of which is endemic to the
mountain. The next zone, the alpine desert, is nearly pure desert
with sub-zero temperatures at night and sweltering heat by day.
These extreme fluctuations are represented in the presence of both
rocky and icy fields within the same plain. Finally comes the
summit itself, where the ascent becomes as steep as it gets and the
oxygen supply is half what it was at sea level. The views from the
top, however, are among the best Africa has to offer.

There are six routes to the top of Kilimanjaro, not all of which
end on Uhuru, and potential climbers should carefully consider
their preferences before deciding on the trip. Several tour
operators work on the mountain and they will map your route, guide
you and carry your luggage - so compare prices and routes carefully
before booking your Kilimanjaro experience.